Vol. 400 No. 3
36 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will make representations to the European Commission to have the special grants for refrigerated tanks restored in view of the hardship that is being caused to a large number of small farmers in the Kerry area since the introduction of refrigeration by Kerry Co-Op.
In the years 1978 to 1986, EC grant aid for the purchase of on-farm milk cooling equipment was available to improve the quality of milk delivered within the Community. The grants were funded from the co-responsibility levy on milk and the total amount paid out in Ireland was £7.3 million. This measure was terminated in 1986.
In view of the present Commission proposals on harmonisation of milk standards in the Community, I am pursuing the question of a further scheme of aid from co-responsibility levy funds for milk quality improvement measures.
